For Non-Itchy Rashes: No treatment is necessary, except for heat rashes which respond to cool baths.

For Itchy Rashes: Wash the skin once with soap to remove irritants. Then give your child cool baths without any soap 4 times per day for 10 minutes whenever the itch is uncomfortable. (Caution: avoid any chill). Follow with calamine lotion or a baking soda solution (1 teaspoon in 4 ounces of water).

Contagiousness: Avoid contact with other children and especially pregnant women until a diagnosis is made. Most viral rashes are contagious (especially if a fever is present). Your child can return to day care or school after the rash is gone or your doctor says it’s safe to return with the rash.

Expected Course: Most viral rashes disappear within 48 hours.

Call Your Doctor If

Your child becomes worse or develops any of the “Call Your Doctor” symptoms